feather mosaic, ornament

Unknown

Platt trästycke, liknande en paddel fast avsmalnande i båda ändar. Föremålet klätt med fjädrar i blåsvart, brunt, rött och vitt, fastsatta med bast.

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Details

Title: feather mosaic, ornament
Creator: Unknown
Location Created: Keram River, Papua Nya Guinea
Physical Dimensions: 15 cm, 188 cm
External Link: Link to source
Text till utställningen Avian Allies: The feathers on this mosaic panel may once have been arranged to depict the face of a spirit or an animal. However, over time the feathers have loosened, and the image has become distorted. Feather mosaic panels were once used as part of initiation ceremonies for young men. Groups of panels were displayed inside men’s ceremonial houses, restricted spaces into which only initiated men and those undergoing initiation ceremonies were permitted to enter. It is possible that the panels were used as illustrative devices to help tell stories and myths relating to the community. When not in use, the panels were carefully wrapped to preserve the feathers.

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